Latest Game Reviews
Scythe – Board Game Review
How many times have you almost been in a fight? How many times have you talked a big game only to realize, yeah, it’s probably smarter to sit back and let someone else take the hits? Scythe is all about that moment; the tension before the clash, the slow buildup where everyone is flexing just enough power to scare off rivals. Despite the war machines that are front and centre in players hands, Scythe isn’t just about throwing punches. It’s a game about power, efficiency, and a dance of anticipation where actual combat is rare, but impactful.
My Top 10 games of 2024
I’ve said this a lot in the past, but I don’t really play a ton of games in the year they come out. Between my impressive backlog and my unwillingness to go to any board game conventions, I’m usually a year or two behind when it comes to playing the hot new games. In fact, I usually do this list around July, but this year, I’ve been much more active on Board Game Arena, and more and more games are launching on BGA close to their physical release date. It also helps being on the Alpha test list, so I can play lots of games as they’re being added to the site, with the caveat that there may be bugs. ANYWAYS, I’m not here to talk about BGA, I’m here to run down my 10 favourite games that released in 2024 (so far)
The Gallerist – Board Game Review
The Gallerist, designed by Vital Lacerda, and published by Eagle-Gryphon Games in 2015 following a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Players in The Gallerist take on the roles of gallery owners, and must discover artists, commission and display works of art, promote the artists, then sell those works of art to make a profit. The goal of The Gallerist is to make the most money, but the path forward is not always clear.
Expeditions – Board Game Review
Expeditions by Jamey Stegmaier, released in 2023 debuted as the sequel to 2016’s Scythe, which is fairly high on my favourite games of all time list at number 16. While visually very similar to Scythe, the gameplay in Expeditions is quite different, and I think it’s worth being explicit in saying right from the get-go in saying that Expeditions is a fully separate game.
Shogun – Board Game Review
I’m going to be honest with you, friends. I may be an adult, but inside I’m basically a big kid. My affection is easily won with trinkets and sweets. I do not have sophisticated tastes, rather, I yearn for simplicity. In my spare time, I just want to play with my toys.
Arcs: The Blighted Reach Expansion – Board Game Review
I’m going to begin with the conclusion. Arcs is a masterpiece. It’s a game bursting with so much variety, discovery, and depth, all crafted meticulously by designer Cole Wehrle. Every mechanic feels intentional, every element serves a greater purpose, there isn’t an ounce of unnecessary bloat. It’s a work of art and genius in game design, a triumph that deserves all the praise in the world. It’s just a shame that I don’t like playing it.
Flamme Rogue – Board Game Review
In Flamme Rogue by designer Asger Harding Granerud, you run a team of cyclists, a Rouleur and a Sprinteur. Your goal is to get one of your cyclists over the finish line first, doesn’t matter which one claims the victory as long as the win goes to one of your characters.
Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell – Book Review
Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell is Sum 41’s frontman, Deryck Whibley’s memoir. Released in October 2024, half a year after their final (double) album, Heaven :x: Hell, and as they’re halfway through their goodbye tour, this book offers a unique insight to the band’s origins, group dynamics, and his own struggles.